Mining machine



July 31, 1934. M, P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Filed Aug. 5, 1931 2Sheets-Sheet l 45 @Myx Jly 31, 1934. M P, HQLMES- 1,968,769

-MINING MACHINE Filed Aug` 5, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented July 3l,i934 UNITE STATES AEN MINING Mamani i; 1

Morris P. lllolmes, Claremont, lil. ll., assigner to Sullivan MachineryCompany, a corporation of Massachusetts This invention relates to miningmachines, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to improvements inmining machine feeding mechanisms of the type which is employed in thecontinuous cutter, bottom cutting type of mining machines and whichemploys a flexible feeding element.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved coal miningmachine. Another object is to provide an improved mining machine feedingmechanism. A further object is to provide improved fiexible feedingmeans for a mining machine of the continuous cutter, bottom cuttingtype. Still another object is to provide an improved feeding mechanismparticularly adapted for use in mining machines of the longwall type.Yet another object is to provide an improved ilexible feeding means fora coal mining machine wherein a feed operating member cooperating with aflexible feeding element is employed and driven by improved plural speedtransmission mechanism, whereby the feed operating member is driven inan improved manner in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexiblefeeding means at either a relatively low cutting speed or a relativelyhigh machine moving speed. A still further object is to provide improvedplural speed transmission mechanism for a mining machine feedingmechanism wherein a comparatively small number of moving parts areemployed, and which is both rugged and compact. Another object is toprovide an improved plural speed transmission mechanism for theactuation of the feed operating member of a mining machine, in whichvariable speed drive and wide range of cutting speeds are obtainable.Still another object` of the invention is to provide an improvedvariable speed driving mechanism for the feed operating member of amining machine employing but few parts and yet providing a range offeeding speeds from zero to the maximum speed for which the mechanism isdesigned.- These and other objects of the invention will, however,hereinafter more fully appear in the course of the followingdescription.

In the accompanying drawings, in which there is shown, for purposes ofillustration, one form which the invention may assume in practice,-

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a. longwall mining machine having embodiedtherein the illustrative form of the feeding mechanism;

Fig. 2 is an emerged horizontal sectional view taken substantially online 2 2 of Fig. 3 and illustrating the improved plural speedtransmission mechanism and associated controlling means;

Fig. 3 is an approximately central longitudinally extending verticalsectional view taken substantially on the broken line 3 3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a transverse vertical section taken substantially on the line4 4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a horizontal section taken substantially on the line 5 5 ofFig. 4.-;

Fig. 6 is a vertical `transverse section taken substantially on the line6 6 of Fig. 2;

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary view, partially in elevation and partially insection, showing portions of the transmission mechanism shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a transverse section on line 8 8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a transverse vertical section substantially on the line 9 9 ofFig. 7.

In the illustrativeembodiment of the invention shown in the drawings,the improved tienible feeding means is shown embodied in a coal miningmachine of the continuous cutter, bottom cutting, longwallI type,generally comprising a frame 1 having a bottom plane surface 2 andadapted to rest upon and slide over the mine floor. Pivotally'mounted at3 for horizontal swinging movement about a vertical axis is a cutter bar4 carrying on its margin a usual endless cutter chain 5. As is common inmining machines of the type disclosed, the cutter bar 4 is swingableinto different angular relations to the machine frame and is adapted tobe locked. in its different positions, herein by a rotary locking pin 6carried by the cutter bar and engageable with notches 7 formed in theouter periphery of a flange 8 integral with the frame 1.

The machine is fed over the mine floor at a relatively high machinemoving speed or at a number of relatively low cutting speeds by means ofa usual feed operating member, herein a haulage or cable winding drummember 9 arranged for rotation upon a vertical axis and having woundthereon a usual flexible feed rope or cable -10. Arranged at oppositesides of the drum 9 are guide sheaves 11 for guiding the feed cablerelativelyv to theV feed drum during the various operations of themachine. The feed cable is connectible to the locking pin 6 in a usualmanner, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1, and when the locking pinis released the feed cable may be wound in by the haulage drum to effectswinging of the cutter bar about its pivot. During feeding of themachine along the coal face, the feed cable is extended from the haulagedrum 9 in the manner indicated in full lines in Fig. 1, and is connectedat its free end to a suitable anchpr or jack located in advance of themachine adjacent the coal face; and as the cable is wound in, themachine is fed bodily over the mine floor in a manner well understood inthe art.

The cutter chain 5 and the haulage drum 9 are driven by a motor 12,which is herein shown as of the reversible electric type, having itspower shaft 13 horizontally disposed and extending longitudinally of themachine, the motor being indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1. Throughconnections `,not shown, but which may advantageously take the formdisclosed in my Patent No. 1,815,872, Julyl 21, 1931, the rearward endof the motor shaft 13 may drive, at the will of the operator, the cutterchain 5.

Now referring ,tov the improved plural speed transmission mechanism4between the motor power shaft 13 and the haulage drum 9, it will be,noted that keyed to one end of the motor power shaft 13 is a spur pinion14 meshing, as shown in Fig. 6, with an elongated gear 16 suitablyjournaled within the machine frame and meshing with a spur gear 18 keyedat 19 to a transmission shaft 20. The shaft 20 is horizontally disposedand is arranged with its axis parallel with the axis of the motor shaft,as shown in Fig. 2, and is journaled in bearings 21, 22 carried by themachine frame and arranged, -respectively, at the rearward end of theshaft and adjacent the front end of the latter, the rearward bearingcooperating with a hub 23 on the gear 18. A worm 24 surrounds the shaft20 and is rotatablewith respect thereto. Its driving connections, whichprovide for worm rotation at a predetermined relatively high speed andat a predetermined relatively lowspeed, and intermittent rotation at anumber of still lower mean rates, will be shortly hereinafter described.The worm 24 meshes with and drives a worm wheel 25 rotatable in bearings27 and 28 carried by the machine frame. Journaled within the worm wheel25 is a vertical shaft 29 carrying apinion 30 at its lower end. Thepinion 30 meshes with an internal gear 31 formed within the winding drum9. Connection of the worm wheel 25 with the vertical shaft 29 may beeffected by movement of a clutch element 33 which is annular and formedadjacent its upper end with a cam surface 34. Projecting within theinterior of the clutch element 33 are interlocking clutch plungers 35slidably mounted in the radial chambers 36 formed in a portion of themounting of the Worm wheel 25. Each of these plungers is grooved at itsopposite sides, as at 37, to provide recesses Y within which coiled'springs 38 are arranged,

the latter tending to hold the clutch plungers in their outermost orreleased position. The inner ends of these plungers, when in theirinner, power transmitting position, engage slots or grooves 39 formed inthe shaft 29. Each-of the clutch plungers is provided with an inclinedsurface 40 complementary to the cam surface 34 on the clutch member 33.Downward movement of the clutch member 33 obviously, through interactionbetween the cam surface 34 and the cam surfaces 40, will cause inwardmovement of the clutch members .35, and locking together in drivingrelation'of the worm wheel -25 and the shaft 29 which supports thedriving pinion 30. The operating mechanism for the clutch member 33 willbe hereinafter described. Obviously when the worm wheel 25 is rotatingand the vclutch members 35 are connecting the same in drivingrelationwith the pinion 30, the winding drum 9 will be rotated. A

Fast speed rotation of theworm 24 is effected herein by directconnection of the worm with weave@ thegear 18, the rearward end of theworm 24 being provided herein with an integral sleeve portion 42carrying a series of ribs 43 which cooperate with the members 44 of afriction clutch 45. The other members 46 of the friction clutch areconnected in non-rotative relation to the gear element 18 and are housedwithin a sleeve portion 47 of the latter. A ball bearing clutch applyingring 48 is operative to transmit the pressure of a clutch shipperelement 49, which is pivotally supported at 50 on the machine frame, toeffect loading of the friction clutch 45 and thereby to effectconnection between the gear 18 and the worm 24. Continuous'I rotation ofthe Worm 24 at a slow speed and intermittent rotation at a number ofdifferent still slower mean speeds, is effected herein by the followingmechanism. The front end of the shaft 20 carries a worm 51 keyed theretoat 52 and meshing with a worm wheel 53 having a hollow shaft 54journaled at 55, 56 in the machine frame. The upper end of the shaft 54has keyed thereto at 57 a driving pinion 58 which meshes with a gear 59keyed at 60 to the upper end of a worm 61 rotatably supported at 62, 63in the machine frame. The worm 61, which rotates on a vertical axisparallel to the axis of the worm wheel 53, engages and drives a wormwheel 64 rotatably supported by,a ball bearing 65 upon the shaft 20 nearthe bearing 22. The worm wheel 64 has a sleeve portion 66 to which discs67 of a friction clutch 68 are connected in non-rotative relation. Theother discs 69 of this clutch are secured in non-rotative relation to asleeve 70, herein formed integral with the forward end of the worm 24. Aball bearing clutch applying element 72 is movable by a clutch shipper73 to apply pressure to the friction clutch 68 and effect drive of theworm 24 by the worm wheel 64. The shipper 73 is pivotally supported at74 on the machine frame.

At its forward end the worm wheel member 64 is provided with a camsurface 76 (see Fig. 7) which is adapted to cooperate with a hardenedpin 77 slidably supported in a bore 78 in the cap member 79 whichpositions the bearing 22. At its forward end the pin 77 is pivotallyconnected at 80 with one end of a lever 81, whose opposite end 82 isplvotally connected to a threaded member 83 which receives the forwardend of a threaded rod 84. The rearward end of the rod 84 is providedwith an enlargement 85 forming a shoulder 86, and a spring 87 iscompressed between a nut 88 cooperating with the threaded forward end ofthe rod 84 and a collar 89 slidably mounted upon the rod 84 adjacent therearward end of thelatter and normally engaging the shoulder 86. Theenlarged rearward end of the rod 84 passes through a trunnion device 91supported by the shipper member 73 which carries, at its opposite sidefrom its pivots 74, clutch applying elements 92. It will be evident fromlthe foregoing description that movement to the left of the rod 84 inFigs. 2 and 7 will rel sult in the transmission of no pressure to theclutch shipper member 73 until the sliding collar 89 engages the end ofthe trunnion device 91; but that further movement to the left, in thesegures, of the rod 84 will thereafter impart a load to the shipper member73 which will be determined by the extent of the movement of the rod andthe degree of compression of the spring 87. The pin 77 may be heldagainst sliding movement in the bore 78 when desired, bymeans of anysuitable device, such as, herein, a setscrew 93 threadedly supported inthe top of the cap l ra , member 79. A movable fulcrum for the lever 81is provided by trunnion devices 94 which are held upon a longitudinallymovable rod 95 between a shoulder 96 on the latter and a collar 97pinned to the rod.

The rearward end of the longitudinally movable rod`95 carries a nut 98which on forward movement of the rod applies pressure to trunniondevices 99 surrounding the rod 95 and pivotally mounted in the outer endof the shipper member 49. The rod 95 also carries, at a point betweenthe clutch shipper members, a collar 101 splined thereto at 102 andconnected by a link 103 with a shipper member 104 pivotally supported at105 by the top plate of the machine frame and carrying a fork 106provided with elements 107 engaging in an annular groove 108 in theclutch member 33.

The rod 95 extends through a sleeve 111 which is secured in a bore 112in the front end of the machine frame in a manner to permit rotation butto preclude longitudinal movement. The rod itself has a slidingconnection with the sleeve 111 by means of a key or spline 113 andkeyway (not shown). Rotation 'of the sleeve 112 may be effected by meansof a handle 114 carrying a pin 115 which is engageable in a'series ofopeningsv 116 arcuately arranged in the front end of the machine frame.Movement ofthe handle 114 upwardly transmits rotation to the rod 95 and,through the collar 101, link 103, lever 104, etc., applies a downwardpressure to the clutch member 33 and forces inwardly theclutch members35 to connect the worm wheel in driving relation with the pinion 30.Obviously, opposite movement will release the drive betweenv vthe wormwheel 25 and pinion 30. Movement of the shaft 95 longitudinally iseffected by means of a nut member 117 provided with a grasping portion118 and threadedly connected at 119 with the front end of the rod 95. Agroove 120 cooperates with a lip 121 carried by the sleeve 111, to holdthe nut member v117 against longitudinal movement while permitting readyrotation thereof in opposite directions. Rotation of the nut member in adirection to cause movement of the rod 95 toward the right in Figs. 2and 7 results in loading of the friction clutch and driving of the Worm24 directly by the gear 18. Rotation of the nut 117 in a direction toeffect movement of the rod 95 toward the left in Figs. 2 and 7 moves thefulcrum 94 of the lever 81 toward the left, and thereby moves the pin 77into engagement with the cam 76; and upon movement of the fulcrumsufiiciently far to the left the other end of the lever 81 will havesuiiicient throw so that the shoulder 86 will pass inside the trunniondevises 91 and permit the collar 89 to contact with the trunnion devicesand the spring 87 to load the friction clutch 68. Obviously, when thespring 87 is under sufficient compression so that it will yield onlywhen a pressure adequate to effect power transmission through the discsof the friction clutch` 68 is applied to the collar 94, the adjustmentof the fulcrum device 9.6 may effect rotation of the worm 24 at a slowspeed by the worm Wheel 64 for any desired part of each revolution ofthe latter. When the rod 95 is moved to the left so far that the collar89 continuously presses, under the pressure of the spring, against thefulcrum device 91, continuous rotation of the worm 24 will take placeand the spring 87 will compress during each rotation of the worm wheelr64 an amount substantially equal to the full throw of the cam 76; butsince the load of the spring is desirably above the minimum necessary toeffect power transmission through the friction clutch/discs, there willbe no release even when the lowest point in the cam 76 is opposite thepin 77. However, by moving the rod 95 graduated amounts toward the rightin Figs. 2 and 7, the period of drive during each rotation of the wormwheel 64 may be progressively reduced until it is entirely discontinued.

Obviously, if the setscrew 93 is used to lock the pin 77 in a positionwhere it is not engaged by the cam 76 at all, there will be no variationin the speed transmitted, but there will ybe a definitely limitedpressure applied through the spring 87 to the friction clutch 68, and apredetermined slow speed drive adapted to slip on overloading will beavailable. Obviously, if desired, the cam 76, pin 77, etc. may beomitted and a fixed fulcrum provided at the point and a solid,unyielding connection instead of the yielding connection through thespring 87 substituted so as to permit any desired loading of the lowspeed friction.

From the foregoing description the mode of operation of this mechanismwill be clearly apparent, and as the use of longwall coal miningmachines of the type disclosed is well understood by those skilled inthe art, a detailed redescription of the mode of operation would be aneedless repetition. The machine may be moved from place to place bythe'proper loading of the clutch 45. It may be fed at any desired speedfrom its maximum slow speed down to zero, by proper adjustment of thefulcrum 94. The bar may be swung under the coal by the feed rope 10, andthe machine fed along the face by the feed rope under complete controlof the operator through manipulation of the hand rotatable nut ,117,overloading will be prevented, in the illustrative embodiment shown inthe drawings, bythe presence of the spring 87. The feed drive may be`disconnected merely by rotation of the lever 114.

As a result of this invention, it will be noted that an improved miningmachine feeding mechanism is provided which is of a rugged and compactcharacter, and which is particularly adapted to use in coal miningmachines of the longwalltype wherein the special dimensions arerestricted to a minimum and wherein at times substantial variations infeeding speed are of importance. 1,25

It will further be noted that by arranging the fast and slow drivetrains and arranging the main feed clutch in the manner disclosed, avery convenient and simple operating mechanism for all of the clutchesused in the control of the feed of the machine is made possible. It willfurther be noted that a continuous slow feed and an intermittent slowfeed are both available by the same mechanism, permitting in a singlemachine either type of feed if there is any choice under peculiarcircumstances. Further advantages will be ap-` pa'rent to those skilledin the art.

While I have in this application specifically described one form whichmy invention may assume 1 in practice, and certain modificationsthereof, it will be understood that these are shown for purposes ofillustration only, and that the invention may be further modified andembodied in various vother forms without departing from its spirit orwith flexible feeding means, and motor operated 15 driving means forsaid feed operating member including a worm rotatable on a horizontalaxis, driving connections between said worm and said feed operatingmember and motor operated predetermined fast and variable slow speeddrives connectible only alternatively with opposite ends of said worm,said slow speed drive including a variable speed device separate anddistinct from said fast speed drive.

2. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with'flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a worm rotatableon an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, driving connectionsbetween said worm and said feed operating member and motor operatedpredetermined fast and variable slow speed drives connectible withopposite ends of said worm, said slow speed drive including a variablespeed device separate and distinct from said fast speed drive.

3. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a worm, drivingconnections between said worm and said feed operating member, and motoroperated fast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends ofsaid worm, said slow speed drive including a second worm coaxial withsaid first mentioned worm and driving connections between said worms.

4. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a worm rotatableon an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, driving connectionsbetween said worm and said feed operating member and ymotor operatedfast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said worm,said slow speed drive including a worm gear and a second worm bothcoaxial with said first mentioned worm.

5. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a worm rotatableon an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, driving connectionsbetween said worm and said feed operating member, and motor operatedfast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said worm,said slow speed drive including a second worm coaxial with said firstmentioned worm and variable speed driving connections between saidworms.

6. In a. mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member. including a worm, drivingconnections between said worm and said feed operating member, and motoroperated fast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends ofsaid worm, said slow speed drive including a second worm coaxial withsaid rst mentioned worm and selective continuous or intermittent drivingconnections between said worms,

7. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving'means for said feed operating member including a worm rotatableon an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, driving connectionsbetween said worm and said feed operating member and motor operated fastand slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of said worm, saidslow speed drive including a second worm coaxial with said firstmentioned worm and selective continuous or variable intermittent drivingconnections between said worms.

8. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and drivingconnections therefor including a worm and motor operated driving meansfor said worm including a gear coaxial with said worm at one end of thelatter, means for connecting the worm directly thereto, and worm gearingdisposed at the opposite end of said worm and operatively connectible indriving relation with the last mentioned end thereof.

9. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and drivingconnections therefor including a worm and motor operated driving meansfor said worm including a gear coaxial with said worm at one end of thelatter, means for connecting the worm directly thereto, and worm gearingdriven by said gear and disposed at the opposite end of said worm andoperatively connectible with the last mentioned end thereof.

l0. In a mining machine, in` combination, a feed operating memberadapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and drivinggearing therefor including a driving worm operatively connectedtherewith and driving means for said worm including a worm gear coaxialtherewith and rotatable relative thereto, said worm gear beingconnectible to said worm to effect drive thereof, releasable means forconnecting said worm gear to said worm, and driving means for said wormgear including a worm coaxial therewith.

11. In a mining machine, in combination, a fee-d operating memberadapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and drivinggearing therefor including a driving worm operatively connectedtherewith, and driving means for said worm including a worm gear coaxialtherewith and connectible thereto to effect drive thereof, driving meansfor said worm gear including a worm coaxial therewith, and means foreffecting intermittent or continuous connection between said worm gearand first mentioned worm.

l2. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving gearingtherefor including a driving worm operatively connected therewith, anddriving means for said worm including a worm gear coaxial therewith andconnectible thereto to effect drive thereof, driving means for said wormgear including a worm coaxial therewith, and means foreffectingintermittent or continuous connection between said worm gear'and first mentioned worm, said means for effecting intermittentconnection including a cam coaxial with said worm wheel.

13. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving gearingtherefor including a driving worm operatively connected therewith anddriving means for said worm including a worm gear coaxial therewith anddconnectible thereto to effect drive thereof, driving means for saidworm gear including a worm coaxial therewith, and means for effectingliti incarne intermittent or continuous connection between said Wormgear and first mentioned worm, said means for effecting intermittentconnection in cluding a cam coaxial with said worm wheel and rotatingtherewith.

la. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member, anddriving means therefor including a friction clutch, loading meanstherefor including a yielding connection, and means for intermittentlyor continuously tensioning said yielding connection to an extentsumcient to effect drive of said feed operating member including meanscontrollable to provide automatically repeated intermittent tensioningsto the extent specied.

l5. In. a. mining machine, in combinatioma feed operating member adaptedto cooperate di-n rectly with flexible feeding means, and driving meanstherefor including a friction clutch, loading means therefor including ayielding connece tion, and means for intermittently or continuouslytensioning said yielding connection to an extent sufficient to effectdrive of said feed operating member including a cam, a lever arrangedfor actuation thereby and operatively connected to said yieldingconnection, and means for shifting the fulcrum of said lever to vary therange of actuation thereof.

16. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with nexible feeding means, and driving meanstherefor including a friction clutch, loading means therefor including ayielding connection, and means for intermittently or continuouslytensioning said yielding connection to an extent sufficient to effectdrive of said feed operating member including a cam, a lever arrangedfor actuation thereby and operatively connected to said yieldingconnection, and means for shifting the fulcrum of said lever to vary therange of actuation thereof, said shifting means providing a range ofadjustment permitting constant ten` sioning of said yielding connection.

17. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with iiexible feeding means, and driving meanstherefor including a friction clutch, loading means therefor including ayielding connection, and means for intermittently or continuouslytensioning said yielding connection to an extent sufficient to effectdrive of said feed operating member including a cam coaxial with saidclutch, a lever arranged for actuation by said cam and operativelyconnected to said yielding connection, and means for shifting thefulcrum of said lever to vary the range of actuation thereof.

, 18. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating memberadapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and drivingmeans therefor including aworm, driving elements for said worm coaxialtherewith and rotating at dif-l ferent speeds, friction clutches forrespectively connecting said driving elements with said worm, and meansfor effecting selective loading of said clutches, one of which comprisesa yielding load limiting device and means for intermittently'orcontinuously maintaining said device under load.,

19. In a mining machine of the class described, feeding mechanismincluding a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly withflexible feeding means, and driving, and controlling means for saidmember including feeding speed controlling clutch mechanism, -a feedconnecting and disconnecting clutch, a primary operating member mountedfor rotary and translatory movements, means operated thereby on rotarymovement to operate said feed connecting and disconnecting clutch, andmeans operated thereby on translatory movement for controlling saidfeeding speed controlling clutch mechanism.

20. In a mining machine of the class described, feeding mechanismincluding a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly withnexible feeding means, and driving and controlling means for said memberincluding a plurality of feeding speed controlling clutch mechanisms, afeed connecting and disconnecting clutch, a primary operating membermounted for rotary and translatory movements, means operated thereby onrotary movement to operate said feed connecting and disconnectingclutch, and means operated thereby on opposite translatory movement foreffecting alternative connection of said feeding speed controllingclutch mechanisms.

2l. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feedingmeans, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a tubular drivingelement, driving connections between said driving element and said feedoperating member and motor op Sti lll@

erated fast and slow speed drives connectible only alternatively withopposite ends of said driving element, said slow speed drive including adriving element extending centrally through said tubular drivingelement.

22. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with exible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a tubular drivingelement rotatable on a horizontal axis, driving connections between saiddriving element and said feed operating member and motor operated fastand slow speed drives connectible only alternatively with opposite endsof said driving element, said slow speed drive including a drivingelement extending centrally through said tubular driving element.

23. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with exible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a. tubulardriving element, driving connections between said driving element andsaid feed operating member and motor operated predetermined fast andvariable slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends of saiddriving element, said slow speed drive including a driving elementextending centrall through said tubular driving element. j

24. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a. driving gearrotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, drivingconnections between said driving gear and said feed operating memberincluding a gear meshing withsaid gear and motor operated predeterminedfast and variable slow speed drives arranged aft and connectible withopposite ends of said driving gear.

operating member including a. gear meshing withy lid said gear and motoroperated fast and slow speed drives arranged at and connectible withopposite ends of said driving gear, said slow speed drive including arelatively rotatable driving element coaxial with said driving gear anddriving connections between said driving element and gear.

26. in a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate di rectly with exible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a driving gearrotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, drivingconnections between said driving gear and said feed operating memberincluding a gear meshing with said gear and motor operated fast and slowspeed drives arranged at and connect= ible with opposite ends of saiddriving gear, said slow speed drive including a relatively rotatabledriving element coaxial with said driving gear and driving connectionsbetween said driving ele:- ment and gear.

27. 'in a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating memberadapted to cooperate di rectly with iiexible feeding means, and motoroperated driving means for said iced operating member including adriving gear, driving connections between said driving gear and saidfeed operating member including a gear meshing with said gear and motoroperated fast and slow speed drives connectible with opposite ends ofsaid driving gear, said slow speed drive including a relativelyrotatable driving element coaxial with said driving gear and variablespeed driving connections between said driving element and gear.

28. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with ilexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a driving gearrotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, drivingconnections between said driving gear and said feed operating memberincluding a gear meshing with said gear and motor operated fast and slowspeed drives connectible with opposite ends of said driving gear, saidslow speed drive including a relatively rotatable driving elementcoaxial with said driving gear and variable speed driving connectionsbetween said driving element and gear. f

29. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a drivingelement, driving connections between said driving element and said feedoperating member and motor operated fast and slow speed drivesconnectible with opposite ends of said driving element, said slow speeddrive including a second relatively rotatable driving element coaxialwith said rst mentioned driving element and selective continuous or4intermittent driving connections between said driving elements.

3o. in a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with iiexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a drivingelement, driving connections between said driving element and said feedoperating member and motor operated fast and slow speed drivesconnectible with opposite ends of `said driving element, said slow speeddrive including a second relatively rotatable driving element coaxialwith said first mentioned reeavee l driving element and selectivecontinuous or variable intermittent driving connections between saiddriving elements.

31. ln a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a driving elementrotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the ma= chine, drivingconnections between said driving element and said feed operating memberand motor operated. fast and slow speed drives connectible with oppositeends of said driving element, said slow speed drive including a secondrelatively rotatable driving element coaxial with said iirst mentioneddriving element and selective continuous or variable intermittentdriving connections between said driving elements.

32. "in a mining machine, in combination, a :leed operating memberadapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and drivingconnections therefor including a tubular driving element and motoroperated driving means for said driving element including a gear coaxialwith said driving element at one end of the y latter, means forconnecting said gear directly thereto, gearing disposed at the oppositeend of.

said driving element and operatively connectible in driving relationwith the last mentioned end thereof, and a drive shaft for said lattergearing arranged coaxially with and extending through said tubulardriving element.

33. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and drivingconnections therefor including a tubular driving element and motoroperated driving means for said element including a gear coaxial withsaid driving element at one end of the latter, means for connecting saiddriving element directly thereto, gearing driven by said gear anddisposed at the opposite end of said driving element and operativelyconnectible with the last mentioned end thereof, and a drive shaft forsaid latter gearing arranged coaxially with and extending through saidtubular driving element.

Eli. In a mining machine, in combination, 'a feed operating memberadapted to` cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and drivinggearing therefor including a tubular driving element operativelyconnectible therewith and driving means for said driving elementincluding a gear coaxial therewith and connectible thereto to edectdrive thereof and driving means for said gear including a gear coaxialtherewith and a drive shaft extending centrally through said tubulardriving element.

35. in a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with exible feeding means, and driving gearingtherefor including a driving element operatively connectible therewithand driving means for said driving element including a gear coaxialtherewith and connectible thereto to eifect drive thereof and drivingmeans for said gear including a gear coaxial therewith and means foreffecting intermittent or continuous connection be tween said nrstmentioned gear and said driving element.

36. In a mining machine, in combination, a

feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexiblefeeding means, and driving gearing therefor including a. driving elementop-l eratively connectible therewith and driving means for said drivingelement including a gear coaxial lill@ lili@ lill@ lill therewith andconnectible thereto to effect drive thereof and driving means for saidgear including a gear coaxial therewith and means for effectingintermittent or continuous connection between said rst mentioned gearand said driving element, said means for effecting intermittentconnection including a cam coaxial with said first mentioned gear;

37'. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating memberadapted to cooperate directly with exible feeding means, and drivinggearing therefor including a driving element operatively connectibletherewith and driving .means for said driving element including a gearcoaxial therewith and connectible thereto to effect ldrive thereof anddriving means for said gear including a gear coaxial therewith and meansfor effecting intermittent or continuous connection between said iirstmentioned gear and said driving. element, said means for effectingintermittent connection including a cam coaxial with said firstmentioned gear and rotating therewith.

38. in a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member, anddriving means therefor including a friction clutch, loading means forsaid clutch including a yielding connection and means actuated by amoving element of said driving means and operative selectively foreither :function while said element is in motion, for intermittently orcontinuously tensioning said yielding connection to an extent sufficientto effect drive of said feed operating member.

39. In a mining machine, in combination, a feedoperating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving meanstherefor including a worm, driving elements for said worm coaxialtherewith and rotating at different speeds, friction clutches forrespectively connecting said driving elements with the opposite ends ofsaid worm and means for effecting selective loading of said clutches,one of which comprises a yielding load limiting device.

40. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving meanstherefor including a worm, driving elements for said worm coaxialtherewith and rotating at different speeds, friction clutches forrespectively connecting said driving elements with the opposite ends ofsaid worm and means for effecting selective loading of said clutches,one of which comprises a yielding load limiting device, and means drivenby-an element of said driving means for effecting intermittent loadingof said device.

41. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving meanstherefor including a friction clutch, loading means therefor including ayielding connection, and means for variably tensioning said -yieldingconnection including a cam, a lever arranged for actuation thereby andoperatively connected to said yielding connection and means for shiftingthe fulcrum of said lever to vary the J range of actuation thereof.

42. In a mining machine, in combination, a

-feed operating member adapted to cooperate dinected to said yieldingconnection and means for shifting the fulcrum of said lever to vary therange of actuation thereof, said shifting means providing a range ofadjustment permitting'constant tensioning of said yielding connection.

43. Inv a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating memberadapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and drivingmeans therefor including a friction clutch, loading means thereforincluding a yielding connection, and means for variably tensioning saidyielding connection including a cam coaxial with said clutch, aleverarranged for actuation by said cam and operatively connected to saidyielding connection and means for shifting the fulcrum of said lever tovary the range of actuation thereof.

A 4a. In a mining machine, of the class described, in combination, arotatable feed member adapted to cooperate directly with flexiblefeeding means, and motor operated devices for effecting rotation of saidmember at either a high or a low speed including a high speed geartrain, a low speed gear train driven through an element of said highspeed gear train, said low speed gear train having a frictioncontrolling clutch through which power is transmitted to effect drive ofsaid member at a low` speed, and means actuated by an element of saidlow speed gear train for effecting intermittent application and releaseof said friction clutch to effect rotation of said feed memberintermittently in winding direction at a low speed.

r4,5. In a mining machine of the class described, in combination, arotatable feed member adapted to cooperate directly with flexiblefeeding means, and motor operated devices for effecting rotation of saidmember at either a high or a low speed including a high speed geartrain, a low speed gear train driven through an element of said highspeed gear train, said low speed gear train having a frictioncontrolling clutch through which power is transmitted to effect drive ofsaid member at a low speed, means actuated by an element of said lowspeed gear train for effecting intermittent application and release ofsaid friction clutch to effect rotation of said feed memberintermittently in winding direction at a low speed, and means operableat will for rendering said last mentioned means inoperative to effectrotation of said feed member in winding direction at a continuous lowspeed slightly higher than said intermittent low speed drive.

46. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for saidv feed operating member including a worm rotatableon a horizontal axis, driving connections between said Wworm and saidfeed operating member, a motor operated fast speed drive and a separateand distinct motor operated variable intermittent slow speed drive, saiddrives connectible only alternatively with opposite ends of said worm.

47. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding 'means and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating ymember including a drivingelement, driving connections between said driving element and said feedoperating membera motor operated fast speed drive and a separate anddistinct motor operated variable intermittent slow speed drive, saiddrives connectible only alternatively with opposite ends of said drivingelement. A

48. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with iiexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a driving elementdisposed on a horizontal axis, driving connections between said drivingelement and said feed operating member, a motor operated fast speeddrive and a separate and distinct motor operated variable intermittentslow speed drive, said drives connectible only alternatively withopposite ends of said driving element.

49. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means'for said feed operating member including a driving elementdisposed on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the machine,driving connections between said driving element and said feed operatingmember, a motor operated fast speed drive and a separate and distinctmotor operated variable intermittent slow speed drive, said drivesconnectible only alternatively with opposite ends of said drivingelement. A

5G. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a drivingelement, driving connections between said driving element and said feedoperating member, a predetermined high speed drive for said element, anda variable low speed drive for said element whose maximum driving speedis substantially less than said predetermined high speed, said low speeddrive including a friction clutch and means actuated by an element ofsaid driving means for intermittently effecting application and releaseof said clutch to effect unidirectional intermittent low 'speedoperation of said driving element.

operated driving means for said feed operating member including afeeding speed controlling clutch mechanism and a feed connecting anddisconnecting clutch mechanism, and means for controlling saidmechanisms including a primary operating member mounted for rotary andtranslatory movements and having connections with said clutch mechanismrespectively effective to operatethe feed connecting and disconnectingclutch mechanism on rotary movement of said member and to effectoperation of the feeding speed controlling mechanism on translatorymovement of said member, means for eecting rotary movement of saidprimary operating member to effect operation of said feed connecting anddisconnecting clutch mechanism, and means for imparting to said primaryoperating member a translatory movement to effect operation of thefeeding speed controlling clutch mechanism.

52. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with exible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a plurality offeeding speed controlling clutch mechanisms, a feed connecting and diseconnecting clutch mechanism, and means for controlling said mechanismsincluding a primary operating member mounted for rotary and translatorymovements and having connections with said clutch mechanismsrespectivelyeffective to operate the feed connecting and disconnectingaeearee clutch mechanism on rotary movement of said member and to eectoperation of the feeding speed controlling mechanisms on translatorymovement of said member, means for effecting rotary movement of saidprimary operating member to effect operation of the feed connecting anddisconnecting clutch mechanism, and means for effecting translatorymovement of said primary operating member in opposite directions toeffect operation of said feeding speed controlling clutch mechanisms.

53. In mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with exible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member inclnding a drivingelement, driving connections between said driving element and said feedoperating member, and a motor operated fast speed drive and a motoroperated intermittent slow speed drive, said drives connectible onlyalternatively with. opposite ends of said driving element, each ofsaiddrives including a controlling clutch, one clutch disposed at one end ofsaid driving element and the other clutch at the other end thereof, smddriving connections connected to said driving element between saidclutches.

54. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directlyv with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a driving elementrotatable on a horizontal axis, driving connections between said drivingelement and said feed operating member, and a motor operated fast speeddrive and a motor operated intermittent slow speed drive, said drivesconnectible only alternatively with opposite ends of said drivingelement, each of said drives including a controlling clutch, one clutchdisposed at one end of said driving element and the other clutch at theother end thereof, said driving connections connected to said drivingelement between said clutches.

55. Ina mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with exible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a drivingelement, driving connections between said driving element and said feedoperating member, and a motor operated predetermined fast drive and amotor operated variable intermittent slow speed drive, said drivesconnectible with opposite ends of said driving element, and eachincluding a controlling clutch, one clutch disposed at one end of saiddriving element and the other clutch at the other end thereof, saiddriving connections connected to said driving element between saidclutches.

56. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a drivingelement, driving connections between said driving element and said feedoperating member, and a motor operated fast speed drive and a motoroperated intermittent slow speed drive, said drives connectible withopposite ends of said driving element, said slow speed driveA includinga relatively rotatabley driving gear coaxial with said driving element,and driving connections between said w.

driving gear and said driving element.

57. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operatedldriving means for said feed operating member including a driving elementrotatable on -an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, drivingconnections between said driving element and said feed operating member,and motor operated fast and slow speed drives connectible with oppositeends of said driving element, said slow speed drive including arelatively rotatable driving gear coaxial with said driving element, anddriving connections between said driving gear and said driving element.

58. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a drivingelement, driving connections between said driving element and said feedoperating member, and motor operated fast and slow speed drivesconnectible with opposite ends of said driving element, said slow speeddrive including a relatively rotatable driving gear coaxial with saiddriving element, and variable speed intermittent driving connectionsbetween said driving gear and said driving element.

59. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a driving elementrotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, drivingconnections between said driving element and said feed operating memberand motor operated fast and slow speed drives connectible with oppositeends of said driving element, said slow speed drive including arelatively rotatable driving gear coaxial with said driving element andvariable speed driving connections between said driving gear and saiddriving element.

d0. In a mining 'machina in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a drivingelement, a driven element, driving connections between said drivenelement and said feed operating member, and driving connections betweensaid driving and driven elements including a frictional transmissiondevice, said plurality of driving connections operative when saidfrictional transmission device is loaded above the slip point to effectrotation of the feed operating member irrespective of the direction ofrotation of said driving element,

and means actuated by an element of said latter driving connections forautomatically applying and releasing said frictional device to effectintermittent variable speed rotation of said driven element.

' and driving connections between said driving and driven elementsincluding a frictional transmission device, and means actuated by anelement of said latter driving connections for automatically applyingand releasing said frlctional device toY effect intermittent variablespeed rotation of said Vdriven element, said third mentioned elementarranged coaxially with said driven element and transmitting motion in adirection longitudinally of the axis pf said driven element.

62. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating memberadapted-to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motoroperated driving means for said feed operating member'including adriving element, a driven element, driving connections between saiddriven element and said feed operating member, and driving connectionsbetween said driving and driven elements including a frictionaltransmission device, and means actuated by an element of said latterdriving connections for automatically applying and releasing saidfrictional device to effect intermittent variable speed rotation of saiddriven element including a spring loaded actuating lever pivotable upona xed fulcrum and means for -varying the tension of the spring thereof.

63. In a mining machine, in combination, a

feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexiblefeeding means, and motor operated driving means for said feed operatingmember including a driving element, a driven element, drivingconnections between said driven element and said feed operating member,and driving connections between said driving and driven elementsincluding a frictional transmission device, and means actuated by anelement of said latter driving connections for automatically applyingand releasing said frictional device to effect intermittent variablespeed rotation of said driven element, said means including a rotatablecam, an element engageable therewith and actuated thereby, and means forvarying the angle of cam rotation during which there is engagement ofsaid cam engaging element with said cam.

6d. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a shaft having agear thereon, a gear meshing with said gear and operatively connectedwith said feed operating member, fast speed driving means for said shaftincluding a friction clutch arranged coaxially with said shaft at oneend thereof and at one side of said first gear, and an intermittent slowspeed driving means for said shaft including a friction clutch arrangedcoaxially with said shaft at the opposite en d thereof and at theopposite side' of said .rst gear and means for intermittently applyingand releasing said slow speed clutch.

65. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving means for said feed operating member including a shaft having agear thereon, a gear meshing with said gear and operatively connectedwith said feed operating member, fast speed driving means for said shaftincluding a friction clutch arranged coaxially with said shaft at oneend thereof and at one side of said first gear, slow speed driving meansfor said shaft including a friction clutch arranged coaxially with saidshaft at-the opposite end thereof and at the opposite side of said firstgear, and means for only alternatively applying said clutches, said slowspeed clutch applying means automatically intermittently actuated by anelement of said slow speed driving means.

66. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddriving 'means for said feed operating member including a shaft having agear thereon, a gear meshing with said gear and operatively connectedwith said feed operating member, fast speed driving means for said shaftincluding a friction clutch arranged coaxially with said shaft at oneend thereof and at one side of said first gear, slow speed driving meansfor said shaft including a friction clutch arranged coaxially with saidshaft at the opposite end thereof and at the opposite side of said firstgear, means for only alternatively applying said clutches, said slowspeed clutch applying means automatically intermittently actuated by anelement of said slow speed driving means, and means for varying the timeintervals of application and release of said slow speed clutch.

67. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving meanstherefor including a driving gear, driving elements for said gearcoaxial therewith and rotating at different speeds, friction clutchesfor respectively connecting said driving elements with said gear, meansfor eecting selective loading of said clutches one of which comprises ayielding load limiting device, and means for inintermittently orcontinuously maintaining said device under a feed effecting load.

68. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating memberadaptedl to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and drivingmeans for said feed operating member including a shaft having a gearthereon, driving elements for said shaft coaxial therewith and rotatingat different speeds, said gear arranged on said shaft between saiddriving elements, friction clutches for respectively connecting saiddriving elements with the opposite ends of said shaft, means foreffecting selective loading of said clutches, one of which comprises ayielding load limiting device, and means for effecting intermittentloading of said device.

69. In a mining machine, in combination, a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and driving means forsaid feed operating member including a shaft having a gear thereon,driving elements for said shaft coaxial therewith and rotating atdifferent speeds, said gear arranged on said shaft between said drivingelements, friction clutches for respectively connecting said drivingelements with the opposite ends of said shaft, means for eiectingselective loading of said clutches, one of which comprises a yieldingload limiting device, and means driven by an element of said drivingmeans for effecting intermittent loading of said device.

MGRRS HOLMES.

